Good, but not great
In the past couple of months, I keep having to add coolant. I see a small drip on the right side under the air filter. I'm not sure if it's a hose or gasket. Has anyone had any problems like this?
I had to get a new fuel pump at 72,000 miles.
Steering wheel vibrates at speeds between 70-80 mph.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 12th April, 2005
Good performance, main components are reliable, original brakes are bad, some accessories unreliable
The HVAC blower stopped working in settings 1 and 2 after 3 years (approximately 60,000 km). Just replaced the blower resistor myself after 5 years (110,000 km). Resistor cost $30 (all costs in CAD). Labour would have cost $45, but I spent 3-4 hours doing it myself. Yes, I'm a bit slow, but removing the damaged resistor was difficult without a swiveling socket screwdriver. The airbag disconnect wires were also a bit difficult to remove, and replacing the panel for the HVAC resistor was also difficult getting back into place. HVAC blower now works fine in 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Drive is getting noisy when turning left around 40-80 km/hr (110,000 km). A mechanic told me it was the bearing in the right front hub assembly. Since the bearing and hub is an integrated assembly, I'm told that I need to replace the entire assembly for a parts cost of $422, and a labour cost of $106. I'm going to see if I can get the part cheaper, and if I can replace the part myself.
The first set of brakes needed service at 53,000 km (pulsating braking). The rotors were machined ($85), the front brake pads were replaced ($56), calipers were serviced ($42), rear brakes were cleaned and adjusted ($34). New rotors were needed at 74,000 km ($108). I need new front brake pads at 112,000 km ($106 parts, $99 labour), but the rotors seem to be fine.
Air conditioning light and the air conditioning was on and off unpredictably after about 3 years (60,000 km). The problem doesn't seem to be mechanical, because the air conditioning is quite good when it's actually on. It could be the control head ($200 part, $100 labour) also known as the heater/air conditioning control assembly. I'm told that it has the computer which could have been damaged by moisture, etc. I'm considering buying the control head and installing it myself.
Had serpentine/accessories belt replaced at 105,000 km ($55 part, $79 labour).
Sometimes doesn't start on the first try, but always starts on the second try.
Hazard warning switch was recalled and replaced by dealer.
The basic function of this car has been reliable.
The gas control is very smooth allowing for a wide range of accelerations.
Handling is pretty good.
Got leather, but cloth is probably better for maintaining good posture.
Has more power than I need.
Roomy interior.
Average gas consumption.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 28th February, 2005
Powerful sedan with minor quirks
Fan wouldn't work on settings 1 and 2, had to replace resistor.
Had to replace fan blower.
Had to replace rotors at 45,000 miles.
A/C won't stay on recirculate, and compressor goes on and off intermittently.
Dealer said the control head needed to be replaced, but wasn't covered on my warranty.
Good car for the money, LOTS of power. Handles well, but was shaking and pulsating at speeds over 75 mph, something I've read from other people on this forum. I recently got a new set of tires and realignment, and now it rides like a dream.
I've put almost 30,000 miles on it in a year and a half and it has served me very well. Hopefully I will have it well over 100,000 miles.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th January, 2005
19th Jul 2006, 09:55
I had the same problem on my 99 LS... the antifreeze is leaking into the intake manifold... it cost me $750 to fix... my mechanic said it was a common problem with the V6 Chevy's. Get it fixed ASAP before you do major engine damage.